Page 58 - The Pirate Coast (By Sir Charles Belgrave)

into the ports and on to the decks, where they were struck with
harpoons by people stationed there for the purpose, the fish being
served out to the ship’s company. All through the diary, Loch
refers to the crew as ‘the people’, which was the custom in the
Navy at the time.
On July 11 th, the Eden crossed the Line, and this was celebrated
in the usual nautical fashion - a rough experience for the sailors
who had never crossed the Line before. ‘ A t two in the afternoon,
Neptune thought that we were within his limits. One of the
oldest seamen, who had often crossed the Line, was dressed (1 was
going to say) but, on the contrary, was stripped, with the excep­
tion of a cloth tied round his waist, and a swab made up in imita­
tion of long hair whitened with flour, as Neptune. He made his
first appearance at the bowsprit, hailing the ship with “Ship
Ahoy!” which, being answered by me from the Quarter Deck,
he came from the forecastle in a car, which was two arm chairs
fitted on to a grating. By his side was seated Amphitritc. The
car was dragged by a number of men dressed (or undressed) as
attendants or inferior Gods and Goddesses. 1, of course, met the
Watery God with all due form, and received his salutations and
congratulations on the ship’s safe arrival in his dominions. Nep­
tune now retired to hold his levee.’
‘The person to be introduced to Neptune is now blindfolded
and led forward to a large tub, which has been filled with water,
across which a plank has been placed, on which he is seated. The
barber now commences operations by taking a brush of tar, and
rubbing it over the face of “Johnnie Ncwcomc”, and on answer­
ing some questions, which arc asked on purpose, the barber stuffs
the brush into the poor fellow’s mouth. When lie is sufficiently
lathered, the shaving commences. It is done with a notched
iron hoop, instead of a razor. The board is then slipped from
under the man, who falls, souse! into the tub. This is a signal for
all who can reach him to throw buckets of water over him. At
the same time a rope is placed in his hands so that he can pull
himself out, but it is left loose, so it does not help him.’
‘You now see the poor wretch floundering, kicking, sprawling,
and roaring, half choked with water, till the bandage is removed,
when he, in his turn, enjoys and assists in the initiation of the next
victim.’
‘In the evening, the hilarity of the few hours before was sadly
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